History of Horses in the year 1382

Hello my dear friends, fellow equines and humans alike! It's Emma here, your trusty blogger from the wilds of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. Now, if you've been following my blog, you know I have a bit of a soft spot for history. And what a year this one has been, 1382! It's filled with such drama and intrigue, but as always, I like to take a gentler, more positive look at the goings-on of our world. So settle in, dear readers, and let's travel through the annals of time!

First, a bit about myself. This year, I'm turning twenty, which by draught horse standards is getting quite elderly. Still, my coat shines as bright as ever - a handsome silver-grey with a white mane and tail that shimmers in the sunlight. They call me 'Old Emma' sometimes, but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. You can’t buy experience, and that's something I’m rather proud of.

But let's get on with the juicy bits!

Oh, this year! It has been nothing short of thrilling, to say the least! Just over here, we had a little thing called the Battle of Otterburn - not your average picnic, I can tell you! Now, I don't like to focus on the darker side of history, but I do enjoy a bit of dramatic flair. King Richard II of England decided to invade Scotland, and naturally, our Scots lads decided to put up a fight! As for us horses, well, it must have been quite a sight – hundreds of us in all shapes and sizes charging across the battlefield, hooves thundered, dust clouding the air, swords clashing…

Luckily for us, those fights were rather short. We can't blame them for being impatient - Scotsmen tend to be fiercely loyal and passionate!

Despite the chaos, I have to say I felt proud of my countrymen. We Scots may be a small nation, but our spirit is strong! We've had our fair share of tussles with the English, but we're tough - just like the horses of Scotland! We don't give up easily, and our courage and resilience, well, that’s something I admire tremendously!

Of course, none of this actually concerned me as a farm horse! I had no clue what the hubbub was all about! Just like usual, my responsibilities were to pull the cart, the plough, and help with chores. Thankfully, the battle wasn't near enough for the echoes to worry the other animals. Still, those horses participating, they were the brave ones indeed!

I’ve noticed something quite exciting! The world of horses has started getting fancy this year! It seems breeding has really come to the fore, and people are placing great importance on lineage and bloodlines!

You see, just like humans, some horses are bred to work, like myself! I'm a draught horse - we're strong and reliable, capable of carrying heavy loads and pulling sturdy carts. But in other places, things are taking a new turn!

Folks are starting to emphasise horses for riding, racing, and even jousting! These breeds, they're called warmbloods and thoroughbreds. Imagine that – a horse, prized for speed and grace! And they’re incredibly well-cared for.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not one to scoff at such elegance. But personally, I’d much rather get my hooves muddy, pulling a cart laden with potatoes, than race on a track! The thrill of a full cart rolling down a country lane, the scent of hay, the gentle rhythm of my stride… That's the life for me! But there’s something fascinating about seeing the world of horses diversifying – like watching flowers bloom!

But back to our peaceful world in Hayfield. Here, life goes on much as it always has – routine, simple, and calming. I spend my days pulling the cart, tending to the farm, and socializing with the other farm animals. Now, this year’s crops are particularly good - juicy, sweet grass, delicious oats – there’s nothing more enjoyable than munching on a full belly.

We’ve also had a bit of a change this year – a young filly arrived! They call her Willow, and she’s full of energy and mischief. You've got to watch out for her! She has a tendency to sneak into my bucket of feed! You’d think with such a full, sweet, fresh life, she’d get bored! It’s quite a joy to have a little filly around to lighten the mood. We take our time, teaching her all she needs to know. It’s the circle of life, dear readers. It never gets old!

And my own little family – a group of colts I met last summer – I look forward to their arrival every year, though I try to act rather dignified! Those young lads love their gallops across the hills. I know they look up to me, even though I never push myself upon them! It is my responsibility to help train them up into strong, reliable horses. We must ensure we keep this way of life, of working horses, thriving.

We keep our minds busy with these simpler pleasures! Nothing fancy here! But oh, I love the rhythm of nature, the feeling of the earth beneath my hooves, the rustle of the wind in the trees. This, dear readers, is life for a grey mare like myself – calm, peaceful, and full of quiet joys!

I suppose it all comes down to how one chooses to perceive the world. It’s a chaotic one indeed! We have all our own ways of looking at things. For some, like myself, we love routine and routine means simple happiness.

So, my dear readers, this year, in the grand scheme of history, has been a busy one! But through it all, horses have remained the lifeblood of our society! And you know, while there's always something new to learn, some things, they simply stay the same! A horse’s heart beats strong, its coat shines bright, and its spirit – well, that's the essence of what makes a horse truly special, a part of history for all time, isn’t it? And that's something we can all be proud of, right?

I'll leave you all with a question for the week. What does "simplicity" mean to you? What brings joy in the simplest of moments, a gentle breeze or the company of friends? Share your thoughts, dear friends, as always.

Until next time, remember: Every hoofprint tells a story, every coat gleams with its own special charm. Keep exploring, keep discovering, and always keep your spirits bright!

Your friendly neighbour, Emma.